These internet forums are where we disseminate information on new laws, post letters and replies from the state legislature, and encourage others to call and write their representatives.
These internet forums are where we share experiences, ask questions that we don't know where else to ask, give advice, and help each other out.
These internet forums allow us to meet--online and maybe even in person--people we may have never had the opportunity to meet otherwise, are often the genesis and catalyst for lasting friendships, and can cause someone to drive 500 miles to attend a funeral for someone they may have never even met in person.
But yeah, it's just a friggin internet forum.
What does any of that have to do with having people whine and cry and get angry because someone else opines that you shouldn't trust cops or whatever? A conversation is a conversation, and the forum definitely is a wonderful tool, but at the end of the day we're just debating politics here. There's no need for people to crank up the righteous indignation.